A Golfer’s Guide to New Zealand’s North Island, by Cameron Ferguson

At Tribù Golf Travel, we believe your golf journey should feel as personal as your swing. That’s why every trip we design is shaped not just by tee times and hotels, but by the kind of insider access and high-touch service that makes it effortless for you — and unforgettable for everyone traveling with you.

For me, New Zealand’s North Island is a place I return to again and again. As Director of Golf Travel, my role is to bring that same sense of connection and expertise to every client trip we plan. I’ve spent years walking fairways across the globe, from my time as a PGA Tour caddie to my life in California. But here, on the North Island, the game feels different: wild, pristine, and beautifully balanced with wine, food, and family adventure.

Te Arai Links: My Golfing Home

No itinerary begins without Te Arai Links — and not just because it’s my favorite resort in the world. It’s also where I’m proud to be a member. Just 90 minutes from Auckland, Te Arai is home to two of the most revered links courses on the planet, designed by Tom Doak and Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw.

A Helicopter Day to Kauri Cliffs & The Landing

One of my favorite experiences to build into a trip is a helicopter journey north from Te Arai to play Kauri Cliffs, followed by a private wine tasting and long, scenic lunch at The Landing. It’s a day that feels as extraordinary as it sounds — the kind of seamless adventure you can only unlock with the right planning.

Waiheke Island: A Day for Wine & Leisure

After a few days on the dunes, I like to take travelers across the harbor to Waiheke Island. This vineyard-dotted escape offers a chance to slow down: private tastings with winemakers, biking through olive groves, and long, leisurely lunches overlooking the sea. It’s a reminder that golf trips aren’t only about golf — they’re about creating experiences that everyone in the group will remember. For couples, these kinds of pairings are what make New Zealand such a brilliant destination — see how we design them in our Couples Who Golf guide.

Taupō: Adventure at the Island’s Heart

Some of my most rewarding itineraries here combine a round at Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary with fly fishing, paddleboarding on Lake Taupō, and evenings soaking in thermal hot springs.

Hawke’s Bay: Golf on the Edge of the Pacific

We usually finish in Hawke’s Bay, where Cape Kidnappers commands its clifftop perch high above the ocean. After golf, I’ll arrange evenings at Craggy Range Vineyard, where private cottages and chef-driven dining pair beautifully with a day on the course.

The Tribù Golf Travel Difference

What makes a North Island trip exceptional isn’t just where you play — it’s how the journey flows. At Tribù Golf Travel, we take care of the details that transform an itinerary into an experience.

➡️ Curious about what the South Island has to offer? Read our Golfer’s Guide to New Zealand’s South Island.

Dreaming of your next golf getaway?

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